Unit for packaging and applying a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and corresponding application process

ABSTRACT

A device such as a cosmetic product applicator includes two wands which are movable with respect to one another between a distant position and a close position for applying the product, each wand of the product applicator can include at least one surface for receiving and applying the product which extends longitudinally along the wand in order to deposit, by transfer, the product in the form of substantially a line, with the surfaces for receiving and applying the product being substantially smooth.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This document claims priority to French Application Number 06 05647, filed Jun. 23, 2006 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/836,942 filed Aug. 11, 2006, the entire content of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to devices for packaging and applying products, in particular fluid products. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, that is to say a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35/EEC of 14 Jun. 1993.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Discussion of Background

Makeup products are known to be generally stored in a storage container provided with a closure means which will close an open end of the container in order to store the product and shelter it from the air.

The product is conventionally applied using an applicator fitted to the closure means. The applicator can, for example, be positioned on the end of a wand carried by the closure means so that, when the container is closed, the applicator is immersed in the container, in contact with the product.

The applicators are often produced in the form of a comb or of a brush, application then being carried out by sliding the applicator, charged with product, against a surface to be treated.

It is also known to have an applicator, capable of being inserted into the container for storage of liquid makeup, with two wands which are movable with respect to one another, so as to form the branches of a tong between which the eyelashes of the user are immobilized.

So as to coat the eyelashes with liquid makeup, one of the wands is provided, close to its free end, with a groove for the withdrawal of the makeup present in the container. The groove extends transversely between side edges of the wand for the withdrawal of the liquid makeup.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,071, a wand includes a projection positioned facing the groove and agreeing in shape with the latter, so that it presses the eyelashes to be coated inside the groove filled with makeup when the wands approach one another. To this end, the wand provided with a groove for the withdrawal of the makeup also comprises, in the vicinity of this, teeth extending transversely to the wands in order to distribute the product over the entire length of the eyelashes.

WO 2004/077987 provides for the use of an applicator provided with two wands which are movable with respect to one another and which include at their free end, a brush for the application of a cosmetic product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There exists a need to have a device which makes it possible to produce novel makeup effects by depositing a pattern on only a part of the eyelashes, for example by depositing a continuous line transversely to the eyelashes. As such, one of the particularly advantageous applications of the invention relates to the application of a fluid makeup product to the eyelashes of a user.

According to a first example of the invention, an applicator for a cosmetic product is provided that includes two wands which are movable with respect to one another between a distant position and a close position for applying the product.

According to a general characteristic of the applicator, each wand of the product applicator includes at least one surface for receiving and applying the product which extends longitudinally along the wand in order to deposit, by transfer, the product in the form of a line, the surfaces for receiving and applying the product being substantially smooth.

It should be appreciated that, in the context of the present description, the term “wand” is understood to mean any component of elongated and thin general shape, so that there is no departure from the scope of the invention irrespective of the transverse cross section of the wand, which can without distinction be rectangular, round, parallelepipedal, oval, “U”-shaped, “V”-shaped, and the like, or the general shape of the wand, which can, for example, be rectilinear or curved.

With such smooth surfaces for receiving and applying which extend longitudinally along the wands, it becomes possible to apply product in the form of a continuous line over only a part of a fringe of eyelashes. It should be understood that the term substantially smooth surface means a surface at least substantially devoid of bumps, projections, teeth, stubs, spikes or hairs provided for combing the eyelashes.

In an example, the receiving surface of a wand rests against the receiving surface of the other wand in the close position. In a preferred example, the receiving surface of the wand rests over substantially its entire length against the receiving surface of the other wand in the close position.

According to another example of the invention, the wands rest against one another in the close position for applying the product so as to form the branches of a tongs between which a surface to be treated is intended to be housed.

According to another example of the invention, the wands rest against one another in the close position for application of the product over substantially their entire length.

Preferably, the wands delimit internal surfaces for the purpose of receiving and applying the product. Thus, it is not necessary to provide for the addition of additional means at the free end of the wands in order to make it possible to apply the product. However, it is understood that it might be possible to provide additional components over the internal surfaces. For example a layer of polymer capable of promoting the maintenance of the cosmetic product on the applicator before it is applied to the eyelashes, can be provided.

According to one or more examples of the invention, the wands are positioned symmetrically with respect to one another, with regard to a general axis of the applicator.

In one embodiment, the receiving and applying surfaces of the wand delimit, in the close applying position, a housing intended to receive the product.

Preferably, at least one wand includes a longitudinal groove.

Advantageously, the applicator of one or more examples additionally includes control means (i.e. control device or control mechanism) configured to make possible the relative displacement of the wands from the distant position to the close applying position. For example, the control means can each include a grasping part by which the wands are extended. The grasping parts can be arranged in order to be set far apart relative to one another when the wands are in the close applying position and in order to be resting against one another when the wands are in the distant position.

Preferably, the control means and the wands are made as one piece.

In another embodiment, the applicator includes a grasping means (i.e. device or mechanism) connected to the wands, the wands being configured so that a displacement of the grasping means relative to a closure means capable of closing off a container to which the applicator is intended to be fitted results in a movement of the wands from the distant position to the close applying position.

An example of the invention provides for the wands to have a length of less than or equal to 6 cm. Even more preferably, the length can be less than 5 cm.

Further examples of the invention provide for wands that can have a straight or non-planar general shape. Advantageously, the surface for receiving and applying the product has a width of less than 5 mm and more preferably of between 1 and 2 mm.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic product is provided that includes a container having the product and an applicator as described above.

The storage container delimits internally a space intended to be filled with product. In an example, the product present in the container is mascara.

In one embodiment, the surfaces for receiving and applying the product of the wands are in fluid communication with the container.

Preferably, the wands of the applicator are capable of being inserted into the storage container in order to be charged with product.

According to an example, the unit can additionally include a means (i.e. device) for wringing the wands against which the external surfaces of the wands will rub, when the applicator is displaced in the storage container, the wringing means being positioned inside a neck of the container.

The applicator can also include a closure means (i.e. device) for the container.

Advantageously, the wands and the closure means are obtained by moulding at least one synthetic material. In a preferred example, these two components can be made as one piece.

In one embodiment, the applicator is movable with respect to the closure means.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a subject-matter of the invention is a process for making up keratinous fibres, in which a cosmetic product is deposited in the form of a line using an applicator as described above. The line can be continuous or noncontinuous or also straight or curved.

Preferably, the makeup process includes successive stages during which the product to be applied is distributed over the applicator, the wands are positioned on either side of a fringe of keratinous fibres, for example eyelashes, on which the product has to be applied, and the wands are narrowed in order to transfer product onto the fringe of keratinous fibres.

As should be apparent, the invention can provide a number of advantageous features and benefits. It is to be understood that, in practicing the invention, an embodiment can be constructed to include one or more features or benefits of embodiments, disclosed herein, but not others. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the preferred embodiments discussed herein are provided as examples and are not to be construed as limiting, particularly since embodiments can be formed to practice the invention that do not include each of the features of the disclosed examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the invention will be gained from reading the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are offered purely as a guide and by way of example, and in no way limit the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the unit of FIG. 1 in the closed state;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the unit of FIG. 1 in the open state;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the unit of FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 5 is a view of the unit of FIGS. 1 to 4 during use;

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the unit of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of the unit of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals are utilized to designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

A unit for packaging and applying a product for making up the eyelashes, which can be for example mascara, has been represented and denoted by the general numerical reference 10 in FIGS. 1 to 3.

According to one or more examples of the invention, the product for making up the eyelashes can comprise a wax or a mixture of waxes. The wax can be generally a lipophilic compound which is solid at ambient temperature (25° C.) and which has a reversible solid/liquid change in state. By way of example, the waxes are chosen from solid waxes, which are or are not deformable at ambient temperature, of animal, vegetable, mineral or synthetic origin and their mixtures. Use may in particular be made of hydrocarbon waxes, such as beeswax, lanolin wax and Chinese insect waxes; rice wax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ouricury wax, esparto wax, cork fibre wax, sugar cane wax, Japan wax and sumac wax; montan wax, microcrystalline waxes, paraffin waxes and ozokerite; polyethylene waxes, the waxes obtained by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and the waxy copolymers and their esters, the waxes obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of animal or vegetable oils having linear or branched C₈-C₃₂ fatty chains, silicone waxes or fluorinated waxes.

In the position represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the unit 10 is represented in the closed state while, in the position visible in FIG. 3, the unit is open. This unit 10 includes a longitudinal axis X-X′ assumed to be vertical.

As is seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the unit 10 includes a container 12 and a product applicator 14 fitted to the said container. The container 12 is produced in the form of a cylindrical tube possessing a deformable wall extending along the axis X-X′. The container 12 has a body provided with a closed lower end 16 forming the base and with an open opposite end 18 forming the neck. The container 12 delimits internally a space 20 filled with the cosmetic product. A shoulder 22 which extends substantially radially is inserted between the neck 18 and the peripheral wall of the container 12. In order to allow the applicator 14 to be fitted to the container 12 by snapping on, the container also comprises a radial annular flange 24 arranged on the neck 18, in the vicinity of the shoulder 22.

According to an example, the applicator 14 includes a skirt 30 which can be a substantially hemispherical general shape and which is provided on its internal wall with an annular peripheral hollow moulding 36 into which will snap, upon assembling, the flange 24 of the neck 18. In this assembling position, the lower end of the skirt 30 rests against the shoulder 22. Of course, it would also be possible, in an alternative form, to form the peripheral hollow moulding 36 on the neck 18 and to insert the flange 24 on the internal wall of the skirt 30. Further, it should be appreciated that a variety of types of attachment structure can be provided to facilitate the connection of the applicator 14 to the container 12, for example by screwing.

The skirt 30 can be modeled so that its upper end is shifted vertically upwards with respect to the upper end of the neck 18 of the container 12.

So as to provide a secure connection and make as leak tight as possible the coupling between the container 12 and the applicator 14, the applicator 14 can include an annular lip 38 which extends axially from the upper end of the skirt 30 in the direction of the container 12 so that it contacts the bore of the neck 18. A radial space (not referenced) is thus delimited between the lip 38 and the skirt 30 of the applicator 14.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, the applicator 14 also includes two rigid wands 32, 34 which extend the skirt 30 and which are modelled so as to make possible application of cosmetic product. The wands 32 and 34 can be made as one piece with the skirt 30 and the lip 38. In an example, the applicator 14 is formed by molding a synthetic material.

According to an example, in the closed state, as is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wands 32 and 34 extend from an upper end of the skirt 30 parallel to the general axis X-X′ of the container 2. The axis X-X′ also constitutes a general axis of the applicator 14. The wands 32 and 34 can be positioned symmetrically with respect on one another, with regard to the general axis X-X′. In this position, the applicator 14 closes off the container 12. One or both of the wands 32 an 34 can have a length of between 3 and 6 cm and preferably between 4 and 5 cm and/or a width of between 0.5 and 5 mm, preferably between 1 and 2 mm. It should be appreciated that it is within the spirit and scope of the invention to have wands of any desirable shape and size.

According to a further example, the wand 32 includes a first wand part 42 which extends rectilinearly from the upper end of the skirt 30 and which is prolonged upwards by a second wand part 44 inclined in the direction of the axis X-X′. The second part is terminated by an axial surface 45 which extends along the said axis X-X′. At an upper end, the axial surface 45 is prolonged by a projection 46 which extends radially in the direction of the wand 34.

Similarly, the wand 34 includes a first rectilinear wand part 48 which is prolonged at an upper end by a second wand part 50 inclined in the direction of the axis X-X′. The second part is terminated by a staged axial surface 52 which extends along the said axis X-X′. The axial surface 52 is configured so as to rest against the axial surface 45 and the projection 46 of the wand 32. Thus, according to this example, the axial surfaces 45 and 52 constitute abutment surfaces which ensure the relative positioning of the wands 32 and 34 of the applicator 14, in the closed state, as is represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.

One or more embodiments of the invention provide for each of the wands 32, 34 to include a groove 54, 56 arranged over at least part of, and more preferably over the entire length of, the first and second parts 42 and 44, 48 and 50, at an internal surface 54 a, 56 a, intended to receive the product present inside the container 12.

According to one or more examples of the invention, the grooves 54 and 56 can extend as far as the level of the annular lip 38 of the skirt 30 and are configured to be in fluid communication with the container 12. Thus, the surfaces 54 a, 56 a for receiving the product are in fluid communication with the container 12 via the annular lip 38 and the grooves 54 and 56.

The grooves 54 and 56 exhibit here in cross section, a U-shaped general profile. The base 54 b, 56 b of the grooves 54 and 56 is here substantially flat. The depth of the grooves 54 and 56 can, for example, be of the order of a millimeter. Of course, it is also possible to envisage planning for other types of profile, for example in the shape of the arc of a circle and for any desirable depth.

In the position represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the wands 32 and 34 extend parallel to the general axis X-X′, the grooves 54 and 56 delimit a housing 58 in communication with the space 20 of the container 12. In this position, the surfaces 45 and 52 in contact against one another make it possible to obtain a leak tight housing 58.

In order to keep the wands 32 and 34 in the closed state, the unit 10 can additionally include a closing cap 60, as shown in FIG. 1. The cap 60 can be of parallelepipedal or any other desirable shape, which is prolonged at a lower end by a rim 61 which comes into contact against the external surface of the skirt 30. The rim 61 is laid out in order to be snapped onto the skirt 30 or to be fitted by any other appropriate means to the skirt 30.

As mentioned above, the closing cap 60 makes it possible to hold the wands 32 and 34 in the closed state. That is, due to their design and the nature of the material used to prepare the wands 32 and 34, when the closing cap 60 is removed from the unit 10, the wands have a tendency to move away with respect to one another, as is represented in FIG. 3. The wands 32 and 34 are thus spaced out from one another at rest.

When it is desired to use the unit 10, it is thus appropriate, in a first step, to remove the closing cap 60, the wands 32 and 34 thus moving away with respect to one another. During a second stage, the user presses against the deformable wall of the container 12 so that the cosmetic product present flows within the grooves 54 and 56 as far as the surfaces 45 and 52. Thus, the cosmetic product fills the grooves 54, 56 and can come as far as the surfaces 54 a and 56 a. The surfaces 54 a and 56 a of the wands 32 and 34, the base 54 b and 56 b of each of the grooves 54 and 56 and the side walls of the latter can thus constitute surfaces for receiving and applying the product.

The flow of the product over and the application of the product to these surfaces takes place homogeneously over the applicator 14 and over most of its length, this being achieved in particular by the anticipation of receiving and applying surfaces 54 a and 56 a which are substantially smooth.

During use, the wands 32 and 34 are positioned so that they are situated on either side of the fringe of eyelashes to be made up, and the wands are pressed on in order to compress them until they are in contact against one another, as is represented in FIG. 5. Thus, the fringe of eyelashes to be made up is situated in the housing 58 delimited by the grooves 54 and 58 of the wands 32 and 34 and filled with cosmetic product.

The cosmetic product is thus easily applied to the eyelashes, for example in the form of a line corresponding substantially to the width of the grooves 54 and 56 over a significant length of the fringe of eyelashes, this being achieved by virtue of the design of an applicator over which the cosmetic product flows longitudinally over smooth surfaces 54 a and 56 a extending over most of the length of these wands.

In the embodiment illustrated, the unit 10 allows the cosmetic product to be applied to both sides of the fringe of eyelashes. It is easily understood that it is also possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to provide a unit 10 in which only one of the wands of the applicator comprises a groove for conveying or receiving the product so as to apply it to only one of the sides of the eyelashes. Similarly, it is also possible to envisage providing a unit 10 configured so that just one of the two wands is movable.

In an alternative embodiment, it is also possible to fit, inside the grooves 54 and 56, porous membranes which allow the cosmetic product emerging from the container 12 to pass and which limit a possible risk of intrusion of contaminants inside the container.

The alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, in which the identical components carry the same references, differs in that the container 12 comprises a vertical wall 70 which divides the space 20 into two identical compartments 20 a and 20 b which can be filled with different cosmetic products. The vertical wall 70 extends along the axis X-X′ from the base 16 as far as the free end of the neck 18. This design of the container 12 in this example is particularly advantageous for feeding each of the wands 32, 34 with a different product capable of cross linking on contact with the other product during the application for the purpose of forming embossments on the eyelashes.

A unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic formulation according to a further embodiment of the invention, denoted by the general numerical reference 100, is represented in FIGS. 7 to 9. The unit 100 includes a longitudinal axis Y-Y′ which is assumed to be vertical. In the position represented in FIG. 7, the unit 100 is represented in the closed state while, in the position visible in FIGS. 7 and 8, the unit is open. As is seen in FIGS. 7 to 9, the unit 100 includes a container 102 and a means 104 for closure of the container which carries an applicator 105 which is used to apply a cosmetic product present in the container.

The container 102 can include a body provided with a closed lower end 106 forming the base and with an open opposite end 108 forming the neck. The container 102 delimits internally a space 110 filled with a cosmetic product. A radial shoulder 112 is inserted between the neck 108 and the peripheral wall of the container 102.

The closure means 104 can include, for its part, a closure cap 114 of cylindrical general shape. It is provided with a threaded bore 116 so as to allow it to be attached to the neck 108 of the container 102 by screwing. To this end, the neck 108 also includes a threading 118 complementary to that of the cap 114. The height of the bore 116 is greater than that of the neck 108, so that the lower end of the cap 114 can come into contact against the shoulder 112 in a screwed position. Of course, it is also within the spirit and scope of the invention for the closure means 104 to be fitted to the container 102 by any other appropriate means, for example by snapping on.

As indicated above, the closure means 104 carries an applicator 105. This applicator 105 can be provided with two wands 120 and 122 intended to be positioned inside the container 102 between two uses of the unit 100 and with a mount 124 which supports the two wands.

The mount 124 exhibits here a cylindrical general shape which extends along the general axis Y-Y′ of the container 102, when the closure means 104 is fitted to the neck of the container. The length of the mount 124 is substantially equal to the height of the closure means 104, but any size can be used for the mount 124. Thus, when the closure means 104 is fitted to the neck 108, the wands 120 and 122 lie inside the space 110 of the container filled with cosmetic product.

According to an example, the mount 124 is mounted in sliding fashion in a centered bore of the closure means 104. The mount 124 includes, at its free end, a grasping means produced in the form of a button 126 projecting with respect to an upper surface of the closure means 104. The button 126 also forms an abutment capable of resting against the upper surface of the closure means 104.

The rigid wands 120 and 122 are shown in a rectangular shape. Of course, it is also possible to envisage allowing any other desirable shape such as, for example a semi cylindrical form. The wands 120 and 122 extend from the lower end of the mount 124 so as to form substantially a V directed downwards. In order to obtain such a V configuration for the wands 120 and 122, it is possible, for example, to produce the applicator 105 by moulding a synthetic material.

When the container 102 is closed off by the closure means 104, the free ends of the wands 120 and 122 are situated in the vicinity of the side wall of the container. Thus, in this position, the external surfaces 128, 130 and the internal surfaces 132, 134 of the wands 120 and 122 of the applicator 105 are charged with cosmetic product.

When it is desired to use the unit 100, it is appropriate, in a first step, to unscrew the closure means 104 from the neck 108 of the container. During such an operation, the external surfaces 128, 130 of the wands 120, 122 can come into contact against an annular wringing means 136 mounted inside the neck 108 in order that only product applied to the internal surfaces 132, 134 of the wands 120 and 122 remains on the wands. The internal surfaces 132, 134 of the wands thus constitute surfaces for receiving the product. In order to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the product over the wands 120 and 122, the internal surfaces 132, 134 are smooth. The term “smooth” is understood here to mean a surface which is at least substantially devoid of bumps, projections, teeth, stubs, spikes, and the like, provided for combing the eyelashes. The surfaces 132, 134 constitute surfaces for applying the product.

In order to apply the charged product, the wands 120 and 122 are positioned so that they are situated on either side of the fringe of keratinous fibres to be made up, for example eyelashes, and the button 126 is pulled in order to move the mount 124 towards the outside. Thus, the upper end of the wands 120 and 122 is located inside the bore of the cap 114, which brings about a compression until they are in contact against one another. The cosmetic product can thus be applied in the form of a line corresponding substantially to the width of the wands 120 and 122 over a significant length of the fringe of eyelashes.

This embodiment, and in other embodiments set forth in the specification, is suitable for the application or the transfer of a relatively viscous product.

A unit for packaging and applying a cosmetic product according to a further embodiment of the invention, denoted by the general numerical reference 200, has been represented in FIGS. 10 and 11. In this embodiment, the unit 200 is particularly suitable for the application of a relatively liquid product. This unit 200 includes a longitudinal axis Z-Z′ assumed to be vertical. In the position represented in FIG. 10, the unit 200 is represented in the closed state while, in the position visible in FIG. 11, the unit is open.

As is seen in these figures, the unit 200 includes a container 202 and a product applicator 204. The container 202 is produced here in the form of a cylindrical tube possessing a rigid wall which extends along the axis Z-Z′ and which delimits internally a space (not represented) filled with cosmetic product.

At its lower end, the container 202 includes an operating means 206 comprising, over the whole of its external surface, ridges 208 capable of making it easier to grasp and actuate. This is because, in a way known per se, when the operating means 206 is rotated, it makes it possible to dispense the cosmetic product via an operable member such as a piston (not represented) which slides inside the container 202, the translational movement of which inside the container is controlled by the rotation of the operating means 206. The operating means and operable member can be utilized with all embodiments set forth herein.

At its upper end, the container also includes an open end forming a neck 210 inside which is housed a porous membrane or wick 212 which extends vertically upwards along the axis Z-Z′. The porous wick 212 exhibits an elongated general shape.

According to an example, when the operating means 206 is rotated, the cosmetic product emerging from the container 202 is conveyed inside the porous wick 212 before being directed outside the latter. This porous wick 212 makes it possible in particular to limit a possible risk of intrusion of contaminants inside the container 202.

The applicator 204 can include two wands 214, 216 and two grasping parts 218, 220 which extend the said wands vertically upwards and which are modelled so as to allow them to be displaced. In the closed state, as is represented in FIG. 10, the wands 214 and 216 extend vertically along the general axis Z-Z′ of the container 202, being positioned symmetrically with respect to one another, with regard to the said axis. In this position, the applicator 204 closes off the container 202.

Each wand 214, 216 can include a wand part 224, 226 which extends vertically in rectilinear fashion and which is terminated at its lower end by a bevelled surface 228, 230. In the closed state, the parts 224 and 226 rest against one another over their entire length.

The beveled surfaces 228 and 230 for their part rest against sloping surfaces 232 and 234 of the container 202 which are inserted at an upper end of the latter, in the vicinity of the neck 210. The surfaces 228 to 234 agree in shape in order to obtain good leak tightness between the wands 214 and 216 and the container 202.

In order to allow the porous wick 212 to be housed inside the wands 214 and 216, the wands 214 and 216 include a groove 236, 238 inserted over their entire length on a smooth surface 236 a, 238 a for receiving the product. The grooves 236 and 238 present here in cross section a U-shaped general profile. Of course, it is also possible to envisage allowing for other types of profile, for example in the form of the arc of a circle, according to the shape of the porous wick 212.

A porous component (not represented) capable of retaining the cosmetic liquid product emerging from the container 202 is fitted inside each of the grooves 236 and 238.

The grasping parts 218 and 220, these make it possible in particular to hold the wands 214, 216 in the closed state, as is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this regard, the applicator 204 can, for example, be prepared by moulding a synthetic material so that the grasping parts 218 and 220 are set far apart with respect to one another forming here a V directed downwards in order to keep the wands 214, 216 resting against one another in a close position and that the movement of the latter to a distant position can be controlled by the grasping parts 218 and 220, when the said parts are compressed towards one another.

The wands 214, 216 are in an extreme distant position when the grasping parts 218 and 220 are resting against one another. Thus, these grasping parts 218 and 220 form means for controlling the position of the wands 214, 216.

According to one or more examples, when it is desired to use the unit 200, it is appropriate, in a first step, to actuate the operating means 206 in order that the cosmetic product should be extracted from the container 202 and should flow inside the grooves 236 and 238 homogeneously over most of their length, via the porous wick 212, in order to impregnate the porous components positioned in the grooves 236 and 238 and to make possible the deposition of product on the smooth internal surfaces 236 a and 238 a. Thus, the surfaces 236 a, 238 a for receiving the product are in fluid communication with the container 202 via the porous wick 212.

Subsequently, the grasping parts 218 and 220 are pressed against in order for the wands 214 and 216 to move away with respect to one another. The closure means 214 is thus separated from the container 202.

During a third stage, the wands 214 and 216 can be positioned so that they are situated on either side of the fringe of eyelashes to be made up and the grasping parts 218 and 220 are moved apart in order to compress the said wands until they are in contact against one another. The cosmetic product is thus readily applied in, for example, the form of a line corresponding substantially to the width of the grooves 236 and 238 over at least a significant length of the fringe of eyelashes.

By virtue of the unit for packaging and applying of one or more examples of the invention, it becomes possible to readily obtain a homogeneous and continuous application of product in the form of a line which extends, for example, transversely with respect to the eyelashes.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. An applicator for a cosmetic product, comprising: two wands which are movable with respect to one another between a distant position and a close position for applying the product, wherein each wand includes at least one surface for receiving and applying the product which extends longitudinally along the wand in order to deposit, by transfer, the product in the form of substantially a line, and wherein the surfaces for receiving and applying the product are substantially smooth.
 2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein, when in the close position, the receiving surface of one of the wands is configured to contact substantially along its entire length, a corresponding receiving surface of the other wand.
 3. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the wands rest against one another in the close position for applying the product so as to form branches of a tong between which a surface to be treated is positioned during use.
 4. The applicator according to claim 1, in which the wands are positioned symmetrically with respect to one another, with regard to a general axis of the applicator.
 5. The applicator according to claim 1, in which the receiving and applying surfaces of the wands delimit, in the close applying position, a housing configured to receive the product.
 6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein at least one wand includes a longitudinal groove.
 7. The applicator according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism that moves the wands from the distant position to the close applying position.
 8. The applicator according to claim 7, wherein the control mechanism includes two grasping parts by which the wands are extended, the grasping parts being positioned such that the grasping parts are set far apart relative to one another when the wands are in the close applying position, and are resting against one another when the wands are in the distant position.
 9. The applicator according to claim 7, in which the control mechanism and the wands are made as one piece.
 10. The applicator according to claim 1, further comprising a grasping device connectable to the wands; a container configured to store the product and connectable to the applicator; and a closure device that closes off the container, wherein the wands are oriented so that a displacement of the grasping device relative to the container results in a movement of the wands from the distant position to the close applying position.
 11. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the wands have a length of less than or equal to 6 cm.
 12. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the surface for receiving and applying the product has a width of less than 5 mm and preferably of between 1 and 2 mm.
 13. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein the wands have a substantially straight or substantially non-planar shape.
 14. A device for packaging and applying a cosmetic product, comprising: a container configured to store the product; and an applicator connectible to the container, the applicator including two wands which are movable with respect to one another between a distant position and a close position for applying the product, wherein each wand includes at least one surface for receiving and applying the product which extends longitudinally along the wand in order to deposit, by transfer, the product in the form of substantially a line, and wherein the surfaces for receiving and applying the product are substantially smooth.
 15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the container delimits internally a space fillable with the cosmetic product.
 16. The device according to claim 15, wherein a product is present in the container, the product present in the container being mascara.
 17. The device according to claim 14, wherein the surfaces for receiving and applying the product are in fluid communication with the container.
 18. The device according to claim 14, wherein the wands of the applicator are configured to be inserted into the container in order to be supplied with product.
 19. The device according to claim 18, further comprising: a wringing means for rubbing against an external surface of the wands and removing product located on the external surfaces when the wands are removed from the container.
 20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the storage container includes an open end having a neck portion, the wringing means being positioned inside at least a part of the neck portion.
 21. The device according to claim 20, further comprising: a closure mechanism that closes the container, the closure mechanism being securable to the neck portion of the container.
 22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the applicator is slidingly engaged with the closure mechaism.
 23. A method of applying a cosmetic product to keratinous fibers, comprising: depositing the cosmetic product on the keratinous fibers using an applicator, wherein the applicator includes two wands which are movable with respect to one another between a distant position and a close position for applying the product, wherein each wand includes at least one surface for receiving and applying the product which extends longitudinally along the wand in order to deposit, by transfer, the product in the form of substantially a line, and wherein the surfaces for receiving and applying the product are substantially smooth.
 24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising: distributing the product to be applied over the applicator; positioning the wands on either side of a fringe of the keratinous fibers on which the product is to be applied; and narrowing a distance between the wands in order to transfer product onto the fringe of the keratinous fibres.
 25. A device for containing and applying a product, comprising: a housing configured to contain the product; at least one aperture formed in one end of the housing; and an applicator securable to the end of the housing having the aperture, the applicator including two wands for applying the product, wherein the two wands are configured to be in fluid communication with the product contained in the housing through the aperture.
 26. The device according to claim 25, wherein each of the two wands include a substantially smooth surface used for applying the product.
 27. The device according to claim 26, wherein said housing contains a flowable product which flows through the aperture.
 28. The device according to claim 25, wherein the two wands are movable with respect to each other between a close position and a distant position.
 29. The device according to claim 25, wherein one of the two wands is stationary and another of the two wands is movable with respect to the stationary wand.
 30. The device according to claim 28, further comprising: a cap mountable on said housing, wherein the cap is configured to hold the wands in the close position.
 31. The device according to claim 27, wherein the housing includes an operable member, the operable member includes an extending portion configured to control movement of the product in the housing.
 32. The device according to claim 31, wherein the substantially smooth surface extends substantially the entire length of the wand.
 33. The device according to claim 32, wherein at least one wand includes a longitudinal groove extending at least substantially the entire length of the smooth surface, the grooves are configured to contain the product as the product flows from the housing due to the user controlling the operable member.
 34. The device according to claim 33, wherein the grooves include a porous membrane configured to contain the product.
 35. The device according to claim 27, wherein an interior of the housing storing the product is divided into two sections, one of the sections storing a first product and a second of the sections storing a second product.
 36. The device according to claim 28, wherein, when in the close position, a surface for receiving the product of one of the wands is configured to contact substantially along its entire length a corresponding receiving surface of the other wand.
 37. The device according to claim 36, wherein an end portion of each of the wands includes an abutment surface, the abutments surfaces are configured to engage each other when the wands are secured by a cap holding the wands in the close position.
 38. The device according to claim 37, wherein the abutment surface of each wand is located immediately adjacent the surface for receiving the product.
 39. The device according to claim 38, wherein the wands further include a groove extending along substantially the entire length of the wand, and wherein the grooves and abutment surfaces form a containing area for holding the product that flows from the housing.
 40. The device according to claim 22, wherein when the closure mechanism is located at or near an end of the applicator, the wands are located in the distant position with respect to each other and when the closure mechanism slides along the applicator, the wands move towards each other to the close position. 